FRANKFORT, Ky., -- The public is invited to a dedication ceremony for the Pike County Judicial Center on Tuesday, Oct. 22, at 11 a.m. EDT at 175 Main St. in Pikeville.

“Since the early days of the commonwealth, Kentucky courthouses have held a special place as the center of our communities,” Chief Justice of Kentucky John D. Minton Jr. said. “The Pike County Judicial Center will provide an efficient facility where citizens can carry out court business and seek access to justice. I appreciate the county leaders and state legislators who joined the Judicial Branch in making this project a reality.”

The judicial center consists of approximately 89,920 square feet and includes space for Circuit Court, District Court, the Office of Circuit Court Clerk and ancillary services.

The new court facility is designed to greatly enhance the delivery of court services. It is equipped with the latest computer, video and networking technology. The judicial center also provides the highest level of Kentucky court security through a single-point entry with magnetometers and security personnel. In addition, prisoners will be segregated from the public by separate entrances and corridors.

The Pike County Judicial Center was designed to meet the standards required by the Administrative Office of the Courts. Sherman Carter Barnhart architectural firm of Lexington designed the Pike County Judicial Center. Codell Construction Co. of Winchester was the construction manager for the project and Ross, Sinclaire & Associates, which serves Kentucky and six other states, is the financial agent.

Chief Justice Minton and Pike County Judge-Executive Wayne T. Rutherford will be among the speakers at the dedication ceremony. State legislators, circuit and district judges, the Pike County circuit court clerk, county magistrates, other local officials and AOC staff are also expected to attend. For more information, contact Judge-Executive Rutherford at 606-432-6247.

As the administrative and fiscal agent for the state court system, the AOC oversees the construction and maintenance of court facilities statewide. The AOC also supports the activities of nearly 3,300 Kentucky Court of Justice employees and 403 elected justices, judges and circuit court clerks.